We set referees up for failure with the two man system. Most of what happens in the middle is missed, and offsides is a difficult call as well. I do my best to give them the benefit of the doubt, being a ref myself. I think on the whole most do the best they can.
What dismays me the most is the lack of sportmanship displayed toward the ref. Win or lose, good call or bad call the referee should be thanked for reffing the game with a handshake. I see far to many coaches who blame every loss on the referee and then the players have that easy out as well. Referees do occassionally cost you a game; and there are referees who shouldn't be working. The officals should have a senior referee who rates these officials two or three times a year to insure the level of competency is where it should be. If not retrain or get rid of the referee.
I feel if we let coaches do it we run the risk of teams chosing their referees for their games. Just my thoughts.
